Adopting a total fire safety mindset

THIS week, I am excited to introduce a national initiative focused on enhancing fire safety through a holistic and inclusive approach.

Our aim is to implement strategies that resonate across diverse communities and knowledge levels, fostering a culture where fire safety is ingrained in daily life.

Over the past two weeks, I have embarked on a new journey as the Director of the Fire Safety Division at the national headquarters in Putrajaya.

This role has required me to fundamentally rethink and develop a comprehensive national approach to fire safety, one that shifts the mindset towards a culture of total fire safety.

My experience in Sarawak has been instrumental in shaping this vision.

In Sarawak, our focused efforts on fire safety education and community resilience have led to remarkable outcomes.

Last year, the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) reported a significant reduction in fire-related losses, from 32 per cent in 2018 to just 5 per cent in 2023.

This drastic improvement highlights the power of a well-informed and prepared community.

Residents have become adept at managing the early stages of a fire, particularly in the crucial first five minutes of an emergency, which has been pivotal in controlling and minimising damage.

Sarawak’s unique challenges, including its vast geography and diverse population, required innovative solutions.

Despite obstacles related to connectivity, communication, and accessibility, we successfully implemented strategies that drastically reduced fire incidents and losses.

Our experience in Sarawak demonstrates the potential of a coordinated, community-focused approach to fire safety.

Building on this success, our vision for a national fire safety strategy is outlined in the Dasar Kebombaan dan Penyelamatan Negara (2021-2030).

This policy framework includes four national core targets and 47 strategic policies to be implemented at various administrative levels.

These policies aim to build resilient communities that can withstand and recover from emergencies effectively.

According to the UNISDR 2011 Statement, resilience is defined as the ability of a community to resist, absorb, and recover from hazards efficiently, a goal we strive to achieve with the Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department.

To address fire safety issues holistically, FRDM must tackle nine critical challenges:

1. High rates of fire incidents, fatalities, and property damage per capita.
2. The need for systematic improvement in emergency and disaster management.
3. The requirement for a more comprehensive approach to fire safety and emergency management.
4. Enhancing the preparedness and efficiency of firefighting services in line with risk indices.
5. Developing emergency management infrastructure and technology to keep pace with industrial and physical advancements.
6. Increasing public awareness of safety aspects among citizens.
7. Boosting community involvement in promoting a culture of safety.
8. Ensuring compliance with safety regulations in the industry meets established standards.
9. Strengthening the community’s shared responsibility for preventing and managing fire emergencies.
   A critical aspect of our strategy involves instilling a proactive fire safety mindset through the 3P (precaution, prevention and protection) conceptual framework in which precaution emphasises emergency planning, precautionary measures, and risk minimisation; prevent advocates for good maintenance practices, effective housekeeping, and the application of the 5Es concept in preventive processes and protection promotes understanding and implementation of passive and active systems to mitigate the impact of emergencies.
   The 5Es of Fire Safety refers to Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Emergency Response, and Economic Incentive which are central to our approach.
   These principles guide our efforts to integrate advanced safety technologies, enforce regulations, expand educational programs, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide incentives for proactive safety measures.
   Under the Fire Services Act 341 (amended 2018), we are committed to enforcing stringent safety standards and guidelines as outlined in the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994 and the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (amended 2021).
   These regulations ensure that building designs and constructions incorporate comprehensive fire safety measures, fostering an environment conducive to economic and industrial growth while prioritising safety.
   Achieving total fire safety requires a collective effort from all stakeholders involved — authorities, designers, builders, inspectors, and occupiers.
   Each group plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with fire safety measures.
   Occupiers, in particular, are tasked with maintaining and adhering to these practices, making them vital to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.
   In Sarawak, we have seen significant success through community engagement programmes such as Bomba Komuniti, the 3K Club for children, Celik S.U.R.I., Fire Point, and partnerships like KIta Selamat with Petronas SKO CSR.

Additionally, initiatives like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programme, funded by the state government, and the MKAA Programme on water safety have empowered local champions to lead community risk reduction efforts.

These programmes focus on raising awareness, fostering a culture of safety, and equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to fires and other disasters.

Building resilient communities starts with everyone.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, preparedness, and proactive measures.
By adopting a total fire safety mindset and engaging in collective action, we can create a safer Malaysia for all.

Every individual’s actions contribute to the broader goal of total fire safety. Let us all commit to understanding and implementing fire safety measures, recognising that our safety depends on our diligence and preparedness.

Together, we can achieve a national culture of fire safety that protects lives, property, and the future of our communities.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.